Welcome!

We’ve had a great start to the school year! It’s been so nice to see students back in the building, getting settled into their routines, connecting with friends, and getting to know their teachers. There’s been a lot of positive energy and excitement around school, and we’re looking forward to a wonderful year ahead. Thank you to our families for helping make the start of the year such a smooth one!

Sincerely,

Fortunes Rocks and Hills Beach Teachers

• Wednesday, September 16: Early Release Day
• Tuesday, September 22 & Wednesday, September 23: Math MTYA
• Thursday, September 24: Picture Day
• Tuesday, September 29 & Wednesday, September 30: Reading MTYA
• Thursday, October 1: Picture Retakes

In science class, we kicked off the year with some Fundamental work surrounding data observations. In the past week, we’ve looked at qualitative and quantitative observation types as well as done some data collection. As we move forward into our core units, we will see these topics resurface and be used in everyday lessons. We are about to begin our first unit on earth systems and the water cycle.

We’re kicking off the school year by building a strong foundation in geography and writing! We are exploring the basics of geography and practice essential map skills, including using map keys, compass roses, scale, latitude, and longitude.

In writing, we are starting to focus on language conventions such as capitalization, punctuation, grammar, and complete sentences. We will apply these skills as we write about what we are learning in Social Studies.

We were so excited to kick off the year in ELA by giving every 6th grader a brand-new book! 📚 We’ve enjoyed getting to know our students and are settling into our classroom routines.

We’ve been learning about story elements and using plot diagrams to understand how stories develop from beginning to end. Every student should also have a self-selected independent reading book for class. If your student does not have one, please encourage them to check in with their ELA teacher—we’d love to help them find a great match!

Thank you for supporting reading at home and at school!

At the beginning of the year, 6th grade math students are reviewing and solidifying 5th grade concepts while also being introduced to foundational 6th grade concepts. Most importantly, this is a time for students to build their number sense and confidence as they transition into more advanced mathematical concepts.

Any practice or support you can provide your student with multiplication facts—and using those facts in reverse as division facts—will greatly prepare them for the concepts and skills they will encounter throughout the year.